The James Logan Courier

By Rechie Cruz, Courier Staff Writer

Academy Award winners Denzel Washington, and Russel Crowe star in the new blockbuster American Gangster.

It's the story of African American business man Frank Lucas (Denzel Washington), who works his way past the big time Mafia bosses to make his way to be one of the most notorious criminal masterminds of the streets of Harlem.Working as a big time heroin supplier in the 1970's, he raked in more than $250 million dollars in cash importing heroin through military officials in Vietnam.



Having brought his brothers along with him to Harlem to spread and obtain more territory and space to expand his heroin business, Lucas becomes a real character to deal with, o
nly to be arrested 5 years later in 1975. His rise and exploits make him one of the most memorable criminals to roam the streets of Harlem.

Richie Roberts ( Russell Crowe) plays a dedicated police detective ready to clean and rid the streets of the crime who does everything to stop Lucas., while dealing with personal dilemmas with his family along the way. Roberts isn't the best father or husband to his family and is faced with the choice of being a police detective or making space for his family to grow along side him.

There are also many star appearances that are featured in the movie. Rap stars Common and T.I. play Frank Lucas' brothers Turner and Stevie Lucas.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is also featured in the movie as Nicky Barnes, a friend and nightclub owner of Frank's.

However, do not expect to see that much of T.I and Common for they only play small roles, but they, Gooding and the rest of the actors still deliver.